Week 4 - Remember

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

What a great message of encouragement for us as believers. Especially at a time like this, when faith - in light of uncertainty - has become so much more prominent. “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” We are encouraged onwards as believers to keep pursuing Jesus. There are a lot of things that I could comment on from this passage, but I am going to focus on the importance of ‘Remembering.’

This encouragement starts by reminding us of who our faith is based in. “Therefore” - Hebrews 12:1-2 is not a stand-alone passage. The passage summaries an encouragement begun in Hebrews 11. I’ve often heard Hebrews 11 affectionately referred to as the Bibles ‘Hall of Faith,’ echoing our contemporary ‘Hall of Fame.’ Hebrews 11 surveys Israel’s history, zeroing in on figures who demonstrated great faith. I’d encourage you to go and check this passage out! These figures of faith are who we understand to be “So great a cloud of witnesses.”  

The author of this passage reminds us of these Heroes of Faith. This would have been especially prominent for the Jewish audience these passages were originally written for. They were reminded of their history, their history aligning with the providence of God. And in light of this reminder they are then encouraged to pursue Jesus. It seems that a reminder of God’s providence is an inspiration for their faith in Jesus.

We too can draw inspiration for our faith from these figures. As a way of remembering how our faithful God acts, we can return to these stories and be encouraged forward in our walk with Jesus. However, we are also called to remember our personal history with Jesus. For the Jewish audience of this passage these figures were their personal history – they were the practical examples of God at work in their lives. Our practical examples of faith come from a personal relationship with Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. Through reflecting on our personal history with God we can be encouraged forward in our walk with him. Through remembering and reflecting on God at work in our past we too can be encouraged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Always making sure that in all we do, we are looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

“Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, you’ve never failed me yet”

    [Do it Again, Elevation Worship]

‘Remembering’ what God has done in my past has become a large part of my personal worship and devotional life. Through remembering and reflecting on my personal history I have been encouraged forward in my pursuit of Jesus.

I would encourage you to explore this facet of worship, find some time to reflect on the foundations of your faith.